It seems to be the year of come backs, as both reunion and original lineups are bringing nostalgia to listeners, as well as new music. Though not like (ahem) older bands who roll out once every few years for a “reunion” tour, these bands are offering something new to their listeners. Though the success that these bands may or may not have is still up in the air, the tracks that are out show some great potential.
First up is Seattle-based Gatsbys American Dream. The band has been on hiatus since 2006 after their release of their self-titled album. However back in the fall of 2010, the band began hinting to a reunion and surprised fans by performing a few songs after Forgive Durden show in Seattle. The band released two new tracks in early March, entitled “Modern Man” and “Untitled” (see reason for the title here).
Even with the lapse of five years and multiple side projects, Gatsbys’ sound remains as poignant as ever. The track “Modern Man” marks their reunion in a big style. The track has the band’s distinct fast-paced drumming, stylish guitar work and hyper critical lyrics. The song calls out “oh modern man/what have you done/you took my home/and dirtied it up,” possibly commenting on the state of the music scene. The second track “Untitled” follows again the same structure but having a more introspective feel in the lyrics. The band recently began playing shows, first in Austin at this year’s South by Southwest Conference and then in their hometown of Seattle. They also have joined Facebook and Twitter and kept their fans closely informed of any news relating to them. If both tracks are indicative of what is to come on the band’s new album, then Gatsbys American Dream is back for good.
Listen to “Modern Man” below:
Listen to “Untitled” here.
And now we come to the tale of Taking Back Sunday. Known as one of the pioneering bands of the early century, this emo quintet has had their shares of drama and touching music. Their debut album Tell All Your Friends, released in 2002 introduced a band that was passionate, talented and heartbroken. The chemistry that held that original album together was diminished soon after when founding members Shaun Cooper and John Nolan left. With more drama than Degrassi, Nolan and Cooper formed Straylight Run and the band continued on with their career. The band increasingly garnered attention and accolades, but always felt like a bit of bite of missing. But in early of 2010, the band announced that the original line up was back and in the studio working on new tracks.
Earlier last week, the band released the first track “El Paso” via Youtube. The video is a combination of the lyrics as well as various comments by fans. The song is proof that these are not the same guys who wrote “so will you tell all your friends/you’ve got your gun to my head?” that’s not to say that the same passion isn’t there. Singer Adam Lazzara’s heart-filled growls are proof that the song may not be about some break up, but he is still a passionate singer and songwriter. The music itself features a more gritty sound with more aggressive guitar work and unrelenting drumming. Check out the track below:
Personally, I’m still out on the jury on the Taking Back Sunday track but I love the new Gatsbys American Dream. What’s your take on the new tracks? Tweet me your answers or suggest some other new music to come my way. Since, fittingly, this is my comeback to blogging.
